Certain "direct file" offenses do not come within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, and are referred directly to criminal court for prosecution. Examples of a “direct file” offense include murder and:

a. Any of the following offenses where a juvenile was 15 years or older at the time of the offense, and a deadly weapon was used during the commission of the offense:

Rape

Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse

Aggravated assault

Robbery

Robbery of a motor vehicle

Aggravated indecent assault

Kidnapping

Voluntary manslaughter

Attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit the above crimes

b. Any of the following offenses where the juvenile was 15 years of age or older at the time of the offense, and the juvenile has been previously adjudicated delinquent for one of the following offenses (even without a deadly weapon):

Rape

Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse

Robbery

Robbery of a motor vehicle

Aggravated indecent assault

Kidnapping

Voluntary manslaughter

Attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit the above crimes

It should be noted that a juvenile may request to be transferred from criminal proceedings, to juvenile proceedings, for any direct file offense.

Summary offenses are also not included within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court unless the juvenile fails to comply with a lawful sentence imposed by a magisterial district judge, or unless they arise out of the same incident as a misdemeanor or felony offense.

​you have the right

In addition to the rights already listed, you have the right to be notified of certain significant actions or proceedings in the juvenile justice system. To be accompanied to all juvenile justice proceedings. In cases involving personal injury crimes or burglary, to submit prior comment to the district attorney or juvenile probation office on the potential reduction or dropping of any charge, or changing of a plea in the juvenile proceeding or diversion of any case, including an informal adjustment or consent decree.